Steps to ramp up Bangalore infrastructure promised

Bengaluru: The Siddaramaiah government on Monday promised steps to ramp up infrastructure in Bengaluru and boost the state's industrial growth and investment, asserting that finances had improved over the last year giving a fillip to developmental activities.

Outlining government's priorities in his maiden address delivered in Hindi to the joint session of state legislature, Governor Vajubhai Vala also said a social and educational survey would be conducted by Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes to help uplift of those sections.

The Governor's preference for Hindi had evoked criticism from various Kannada organisations. Vala's predecessors had delivered the address in English. The Governor began his address on Monday with greetings to the members in Kannada.

"My government is taking steps to tackle the various problems of Bengaluru city, particularly infrastructure and waste disposal. Under Nagarothana scheme, Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for improvement of infrastructure in Bengaluru city, new solid waste management plants are being set up," Vala said in his address.

Pointing out that phase 1 of Bengaluru Metro Rail project is targeted for completion this year, and an expert committee has been set up to study the issue of bifurcation of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for effective governance, he said, "for development of 10 city corporations in various districts of the state, works with an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore have been approved under Nagarothana scheme phase 3." Vala said in order to boost industrial growth, investment and employment opportunity in th state, a new industrial policy has been operationalised.

"Steps have been taken to provide more facilities, incentives and concessions to establish industries in backward regions, in Hyderabad-Karnataka region.''

"Entrepreneurs belonging to SC/ST, women and minorities will also get higher incentives. In the current year. The State High Level Clearance Committee has approved 23 proposals with an investment of Rs 17,000 crore which will generate 24,000 jobs," he added.